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Phone: 608-221-1206 Ext. 14Address: |
Wisconsin has the largest and most widespread populations of Karner blue butterflies in the world. Historically they occurred across a narrow band from eastern Minnesota to Maine. Because Karner blue butterflies often live on private lands, Wisconsin’s private landowners can play a vital role in ensuring their survival and recovery. Status Range wide Karner blue populations have declined 99 percent, of which 90 percent has occurred in the last twenty to twenty-five years. They are extinct in Illinois, Iowa, Ontario, Pennsylvania, Massachusetts, New Jersey, and Maine. Small remnant populations remain in Minnesota, New York, and New Hampshire. Similar to bluebirds, sharp-tailed grouse and other species, the decline in Karner blue populations is closely related to modification, destruction, and fragmentation of habitat. In Wisconsin fire suppression, agriculture, and development have reduced this habitat to less than 0.02% of its presettlement area. The Karner blue butterfly is about the size of a postage stamp. It lives in oak savannas, pine barrens, and prairies, feeding on a variety of flowers. As a larvae, it feeds only on wild lupine, which grows in dry sandy soils in the open and partial shade. The attractiveness of the butterfly, lupine, and other nectar producing flowers encourages many landowners to restore habitat. As shown below, the Karner goes through two generations per year and most live for only about one week as a butterfly. To learn when butterflies are flying in your area call toll free 1-877-4KARNER (452-7637). The remainder of the year individuals are eggs, larvae, or pupae. There are several other small blue butterflies that resemble Karner blues. Consult a field guide or a local naturalist to help you identify them.
Management activities benefiting Karner blue butterflies include:
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Biology
